Six months ago when we moved in to this house, I posted the ‘before’ and ‘progress’ photos of the office/studio. Here it was ‘before':

Then we renovated it, fixed up the walls and floor and moved in. It looked like this, and it looked promising:

I was psyched that I finally had a proper home office – separate entrance and all. Well … quickly we filled it up (as we do … I’m not a minimalist as you know):

This wasn’t designed, obviously, just how we were actually using the space.

Like a mediocre relationship, you can only stay in denial that it’s not really working for so long. You pretend you don’t need to move on, that you can make it work, that everyone is happy enough. But, all the signs point to ‘GET OUT AND TRY TO BE HAPPIER’. It’s just hard because its such a risk. You keep telling yourself, ‘It’s not frustrating enough, it’s not terrible enough,’ to make you jump out … but now and again you start looking. Your eye wanders. Your thoughts drift …

I’ve had fantasies of what it could be. We did drawings and renderings to help us figure out how it could work. We even got quotes on transforming it which were just so expensive that I panicked.

Click through to see the new space.

Above was a hilarious, extra bad, day where we were shooting on the other side of the room, so we took a pic. Obviously we didn’t actually work in that environment.

At first it was just Ginny and I which was fine. Then Brady came along and it started getting crowded (have you seen him? he’s HUGE!! #opposite). And now we have two awesome interns in and out and they don’t have a proper place to work. Meanwhile we have so many shoots (here and elsewhere) which means there are bags, boxes and just piles of crap everywhere at all times. Empty bottles of spray paint. Bags of knobs that need to be returned. Fabric swatches that need to either be organized or chucked. Furniture that is half DIY’d.

We try to stay organized, but without the proper storage and with so much going on it is actually impossible to put things away. Additionally we have more shoots coming up, for the book and partnerships, that require a larger space to shoot so I’ve been looking for locations and even renting spaces to accommodate the shoots. We have this one particular story coming up where we have to transform the same rooom four times (with four different wall treatments) and logistically that is a nightmare and so expensive to produce … unless you have your own space.

So, after I got home from Portland last Saturday night I started looking on Craigslist, just as a fantasy … like how people in a stagnant relationship might dabble on Tinder. Like, ‘Oh, I mean, I just want to see whats out there, but obviously I wouldn’t ever really make a move’. Every space I found was far away (over 30 minutes), really expensive (over $2500), too raw (where I’d need to spend a lot to fix up) and either up a flight of stairs (terrible for the amount of furniture we move) or not enough light … or all of the above.

Until I found this:

It’s a 1200 square foot creative space/store front only 10 – 13 minutes from my house in Eagle Rock. It has 11′ floor to ceiling south facing windows, with the entrance on the ground floor = minimal schlepping!!

It’s a total blank space that I can transform for each shoot. The landlord is a creative dude – photographer/designer/realtor/IT guy and he was like – just do your thing. I don’t have to sneak around. I don’t have to worry that painting a wall would get me in trouble.

We can actually properly work/shoot/create without having to go up precarious side stairs to the bathroom where we might wake a sleeping baby, or for me where I might get distracted for an hour from said baby (which is obviously what i’ll miss most). I really hated the idea of not working from home, but if I can just be home in 12 minutes or Charlie (with the accompaniment of his sitter) can come to me in just 12 minutes and visit for an hour then I don’t feel quite so anxious about leaving.

And yes, you can believe he’s coming every day we are there. If there is one good thing about running the show (there are a lot of less good things about it, trust me) it’s that I get to have my baby on set whenever I want. Don’t worry, he’s strangely well-behaved. And either Ginny and Brady are really good actors or they genuinely enjoy a visit from Sir. Charles (but I’m their boss, so what are they going to say? Your baby sucks? Nay, probably not).

Meanwhile, there is a tasteful kitchen and bathroom back there with an adorable little outdoor terrace that we can eat at and throw mini parties in.

The windows are so pretty – not too ‘lofty’ (so that if we want to add flooring and have it look like a more traditional house we could), but so much light. You never need to turn on the lights during the day and there is no harsh sunset light that made you need to wear shades and a hat indoors (like we got in our old place)

It doesn’t look like much but its one of those spaces that is so simple that it’s just a total blank canvas for us to do our worst/best on.

As you can tell I’m in the ‘Convincing-myself-that-I-made-the-right-decision’ phase of this relationship. I mean, I’ve gushed enough about it, right?

I emailed about it on saturday night, saw it sunday morning, said “I’LL TAKE IT, I LOVE IT. ACTUALLY, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, AND I’LL HAVE YOUR BABY UNLESS YOU DON’T WANT ANOTHER BABY AND THEN MAYBE I COULD BUY YOU A COFFEE??” immediately. I didn’t get a second opinion from Brian, Scott or Ginny/Brady. I didn’t think about it for even 5 minutes. It was so perfect for what I was comfortable with right now. That’s right. Its not perfect. But its perfect for my comfort level. Right now.

On monday morning I told Ginny and Brady that I wanted to take them to a fun lunch to catch up …. and then I surprised them with the new studio space. I was as giddy as a Josh and Andi were being in public together for the first time. Like, FINALLY. I just couldn’t wait and they must have thought I had lost it, especially since normally on Mondays i’m riddled with anxiety and in the worst mood of the entire week. But this monday I was sooooo happy.

They were so surprised, shocked and happy. They loved it and we moved in the next day. How quickly you can not only move on, but then HATE what you had before. We went back to the old studio that day and all of a sudden every flaw was totally in our face. Truth is, I think it was in their face for months but they are too nice to say anything and I was riddled with too much fear/denial to do anything except make fun of our situation and promise that it would change. Someday.

Well, it’s changed. When its right its right.

The purpose of the studio is to have a creatively inspiring space that we can transform easily for shoots to create content. Flexibility is key. We won’t be painting walls (at least not with intent of permanence). No wallpaper will be splurged on or pasted up. We probably won’t even put down or paint the floor. Why? Because since its mainly for shooting after we shoot a particular paint color/wall-paper we will be done with it and need to move on. Its a design/photo studio … well, kinda.

That being said … it still needs to look REALLY inspiring for us on a day-to-day basis – shoot or no shoot. We are expanding and possibly hiring another lead designer to accommodate design clients so yes, it’ll need to also function as a design office. Everything we do to the space needs to be able to be moved/wheeled around/removed/rotated, etc. It’s an interesting challenge. No built-ins. No heavy furniture. Flexibility is the name of the game and having everything on castors is the first part of winning it.

Its terrifying, but I already know that it’s the right thing to do. It will be so much better for everyone’s morale. Thank you so much Ginny and Brady for dealing with the previous office the last 6 months. It’s all changing.

I’m turning 35 in a month, but this, folks, makes me feel VERY grown up indeed. Wish us luck.

i fear i’m becoming slightly obsessed as i was the first to comment on the last post too (i’m normal, i swear!!!) but this is AWESOME!!! I’m so happy for you guys and what a lovely light filled space. i’m sure it will be great to have more room to do your thing. congratulations!!!

Congratulations!
I’ve been following your blog since brass petal, my admiration continues!
I wonder if here, or some future storefront, could offer a retail section, maybe certain days of the month, for selling props/reduced hoarding??? It’d be such a treat for your super fans, like me, who can not yet afford your services, but still want some of your Midas touch.

Congrats! Only one point of disagreement – you said “it’s not perfect.” Actually, it kind of is. Beautiful, but very savvy from a business perspective — just what you need without a huge financial outlay for an oversized, perfectly done-up space that would divert resources from other aspects of the business. Smart, lady!

Those concrete floors would be gorgeous polished. We had it throughout our house at something like $4 a square foot. They took up the old carpet glue but left the texture of staple holes. It was money ridiculously well spent. Just sayin’ — perhaps future project.

I LOVE IT and since it felt so right instantly, it was a great decision and I am so happy for you and the growth in ALL areas. It is nice for your home to not be work also. Wishing you tons of inspiration and success in your new space. xo Nancy

Congratulations. It looks like a great space, but my biggest question is: What will you do with your former studio? I love the layout of your house and am intrigued as to how you will repurpose the space. Thanks!

Love the new space! Sound like you made a great choice. Can I ask you where those white desks are from? And did ya’ll build the wooden shelving? We are about to move and I would love to know more about both of those things! Thanks. xo

You move at lightning speed and its so fun to read about. Love this decision! I second the comment about a sale/retail shop. Speaking of… when will your home accessories be available for purchase at TARGET?!

Congratulations. You will probably spend lots of time when home still thinking about work and doing computer work since that is what owners do and I imagine creative minds are never to far from the on switch but how calming you and Brian will find your home minus the chaos and clutter of your hectic work life. How fun to have play and/or lunch dates with Charlie.

My sister and I had our small business in a garage for YEARS before making the big move to a separate studio. To this day, we both believe the move helped us grow our business. It’s a big step and a calculated risk. That seems to be how growth happens. Congratulations! It’s definitely the right move at the right time.

Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted
of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

Congratulations Emily! Looks like I’m late to the game re comments, but wanted to chime in. It’s always scary taking the big, important steps, but those are the ones that make life more exciting. It’s especially scary moving from a small, one person show (basically – sorry all the helpers past and present) to a big business. If this is where you’re headed, it was definitely the right move and your gut instinct was 100% right. I would go a step further and add office space, especially as you’re seriously considering another designer. As I’m sure you know, it’s pretty difficult to do the general office work, be on a phone with a client or even meet with a client while chaos is ensuing in the background (setting up/shooting/taking down/storing). Just a thought.

Congratulations Emily, Ginny, and Brady! Looks like an awesome space. I went to college in Eagle Rock and second the above food recommendations for Casa Bianca, Swork, and Coffee Table. Also there in Eagle Rock you are so close to TARGET!!

Congrats – movin’ on up! I’m sure the team will be happy. I used to work for The Novogratz, and we would work out of their house sometimes – which was great because they have LITERALLY the coolest house in the world. But it was also super crazy and chaotic, and I much preferred working in the separate office so I could really focus and get work done.

Just love your blog emily. It’s so amazing to watch you and your career/business evolve step by step, project by project while you build your eventual design empire!! All the while watching Charlie grow through his pictures is really a treat!

At this time it sounds like Movable Type is the preferred blogging platform available
right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using
on your blog?

His mother often told him that he had inherited his darkish eyes, olive complexion, and rugged build from her side in the family.

The quantity of mental energy, the sheer brainpower that
goes into writing fiction is tremendous. last minute Flights southwest airlines travel guide Please continue to check the Web site for updates on new
faculty or call our office for details. Knowledge of the audience will in all
probability determine the selection of keywords.

Sometimes the hardest place to hide a burglar alarm camera is in which you want it most, watching the exterior of your own home.
Whether you determine it as much as record, or
use it as being a cute method to Skype with your friends,
this little camera can record as long as your pc will allow.

In their most straightforward sense, spy cameras function in a very similar manner as conventional
security CCTV cameras typically seen in commercial and business establishments.
But, some camcorders have been released that allow you to definitely easily track
where you are via built-in GPS receivers. Computer
spy cameras for home It is not only the sunglass that will function as a hidden camera.

In simple terms, in case you go into writing your dissertation or
thesis thinking that you will encounter writer’s block and ultimately
fail, then your predictions will likely come true. Drawers spanning the width from the desk underneath the writing surface were also common.
must – http://social.thematesrate.com/blogs/61466/102539/hourly-caregivers-wireless-secur – spy camera
pen uk This is on how to create formal letters, social letters,
notes, what things to say in private letter writing -writing personal
letters. After reading a picture book, you can have students
share their findings.

Attractive component of content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually enjoyed account your
weblog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment or even I achievement you
get entry to persistently quickly.

We have to maintain the specific format for writing college app essay.
When I was teaching fourth grade, I remember children simply
throwing in a very chain of adjectives. must (beattheq.zendesk.com)
samsung series 7 gamer 700g7a Then, you can find the persuasive writing prompts which require smart reasoning and logical thinking about the part with the
kids. Internet users want for something online, information.